THURSDAY 27TH FEBRUARY

*The Baroness Perry of SouthwarkTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they consider that an amendment is needed to the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 to remove the exemption of the Church of England from the provisions of the Act.

*The Baroness ByfordTo ask Her Majestys Government what steps they are taking to reduce the spread of bovine tuberculosis.

*The Earl PeelTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the Hunting Bill will compromise the sport of shooting.

*The Lord Jenkin of RodingTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they have any plans to intervene in the redundancy dispute at English National Opera.

Nottingham City Council Bill [HL]Second Reading

Liaison CommitteeThe Chairman of Committees to move, That the First Report from the Select Committee (HL Paper 57) be agreed to.

[It is expected that the Report stage of the Licensing Bill will continue]

FRIDAY 28TH FEBRUARY

In the event of the bill being read a second time, the Lord Beaumont of Whitley to move, That the bill be committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

Equality Bill [HL]Second Reading [The Lord Lester of Herne Hill]

In the event of the bill being read a second time, the Lord Lester of Herne Hill to move, That the bill be committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

Voting Age (Reduction to 16) Bill [HL]Committee [The Lord Lucas]

MONDAY 3RD MARCH

*The Lord BurnhamTo ask Her Majestys Government whether ships chartered by the Ministry of Defence to transport British military forces to the Gulf will be re-flagged to the Red Ensign; and whether they will be required to operate with, as a minimum, a British master.

*The Lord SheldonTo ask Her Majestys Government, in view of the speech by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the Social Market Foundation on 3rd February, what are those areas where they consider markets cannot deliver the long term returns required.

*The Lord BradshawTo ask Her Majestys Government why they intend to implement the European Working Time Directive on the railways before they implement it on the roads.

*The Lord Campbell of CroyTo ask Her Majestys Government for how long they intend to retain the climate change levy.

TUESDAY 4TH MARCH

Introduction

The Lord Bishop of Sheffield

will be introduced.

*The Lord HoyleTo ask Her Majestys Government what role Gibraltar is playing in the build-up of military forces in the Gulf.

*The Baroness Gardner of ParkesTo ask Her Majestys Government, in view of the shortage in the United Kingdom of junior doctors, consultants and other trained medical staff, whether they will delay the implementation of the European Working Time Directive for United Kingdom doctors in training.

*The Lord Beaumont of WhitleyTo ask Her Majestys Government what plans they have to assist owners of halon fire extinguishers to dispose of them, once it is illegal to possess them.

*The Lord Renton of Mount HarryTo ask Her Majestys Government whether, in the light of the working of the London congestion charge, they will facilitate the introduction of congestion charging in other cities.

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (Codes of Practice) (Codes B to E) Order 2003The Lord Falconer of Thoroton to move, That the proceedings of Monday 24th February be vacated.

Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2003The Baroness Hollis of Heigham to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 5th February be approved. [10th Report from the Joint Committee]

Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order 2003The Baroness Hollis of Heigham to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 5th February be approved. [10th Report from the Joint Committee]

[It is expected that the Report stage of the Licensing Bill will continue]

WEDNESDAY 5TH MARCH

*The Baroness Park of MonmouthTo ask Her Majestys Government what steps they have taken to help British pensioners in Zimbabwe whose pensions are paid through the banks at the official exchange rate.

*The Lord BlackwellTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will make a commitment to holding a referendum as part of the ratification process for any treaty which gives effect to a new European constitution.

*The Lord Hardy of WathTo ask Her Majestys Government by what proportion unemployment has fallen in the county of South Yorkshire and in the Yorkshire region in 2002 and since 1997.

The Lord FowlerTo call attention to the Green Paper on saving for retirement (Cm. 5677) and to the promotion of adequate pension provision in the United Kingdom; and to move for papers.

The Baroness Park of MonmouthTo call attention to the situation in Zimbabwe; and to move for papers.

Maximum Number of Judges Order 2003The Baroness Scotland of Asthal to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 6th February be approved. [10th Report from the Joint Committee]

Harbours Bill [HL]Second Reading [The Lord Berkeley]

In the event of the bill being read a second time, the Lord Berkeley to move, That the bill be committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

THURSDAY 6TH MARCH

[At eleven oclock]

Waste and Emissions Trading Bill [HL]Third Reading [The Lord Whitty]

At three oclock

*The Baroness Gould of PotternewtonTo ask Her Majestys Government what action they intend to take following the Review of the Management of Patients with Epilepsy by the University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service Trust.

*The Lord AdebowaleTo ask Her Majestys Government what is their policy toward drug courts in light of the publication of the updated drug strategy and the proposed introduction of a single generic community sentence.

*The Lord QuirkTo ask Her Majestys Government to what extent they are satisfied with the progress of teaching, learning and administration noted in the Annual Report of Her Majestys Chief Inspector of Schools published on 5th February.

The Baroness Gould of PotternewtonTo ask Her Majestys Government what barriers remain to womens full participation in the political, economic and social life of the country.

ROYAL ASSENT

FRIDAY 7TH MARCH

[At eleven oclock]

The Baroness Harris of RichmondTo move, That this House takes note of the Report of the European Union Committee on A Common Policy on Illegal Immigration (37th Report, HL Paper 187, Session 2001-02).

MONDAY 10TH MARCH

*The Lord Janner of BraunstoneTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they expect the prison population in the United Kingdom to rise during the next five years; if so, by what number and proportion; and what steps they are taking to enable the prison system to cope with any such increase.

*The Baroness HanhamTo ask Her Majestys Government what action they will take to resolve bed blocking in hospitals arising from section 54 of and Schedule 3 to the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

*The Baroness Sharp of GuildfordTo ask Her Majestys Government what criteria would need to be satisfied for university departments to gain the 6* status proposed in paragraph 2.15 of the White Paper The future of higher education (Cm 5735).

*The Lord BlakerTo ask Her Majestys Government what progress has been made in developing a common foreign policy for the European Union.

The Baroness WalmsleyTo ask Her Majestys Government how they will respond to the report on the United Kingdoms treatment of children published by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child on 4th October 2002.

TUESDAY 11TH MARCH

*The Lord Peyton of YeovilTo ask Her Majestys Government what role they see for parish councils in the future.

*The Lord Dormand of EasingtonTo ask Her Majestys Government how effective present legislation is in restraining excessive increases in payments made to company chairmen and chief executives.

*The Lord TaverneTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the views expressed by Mr Michael Meacher MP published in the magazine The Ecologist on 17th February represent the policy of the Government.

*The Lord Ashley of StokeTo ask Her Majestys Government how many hospital patients have (a) become seriously ill or (b) died as a result of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in hospitals in each of the last five years.

Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 (Continuance in force of sections 21 to 23) Order 2003The Lord Filkin to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 23rd January be approved. [9th Report from the Joint Committee]

WEDNESDAY 12TH MARCH

Introduction

The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury

will be introduced.

*The Baroness GaleTo ask Her Majestys Government how many people have successfully given up smoking due to the smoking cessation services; and how many people they would expect to give up smoking if smoking were to be banned in all workplaces.

*The Lord Mackenzie of FramwellgateTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they have any plans to change sentencing provisions for causing death by dangerous driving.

*The Baroness MaddockTo ask Her Majestys Government what steps they are taking to ensure wider awareness of the Standard Assessment Procedure, to inform prospective house buyers of the energy efficiency of their homes.

The Lord BrennanTo call attention to the issues of corporate governance, following the recent reports on non-executive directors, auditing and accountancy; and to move for papers.

In the event of the bill being read a second time, the Baroness Knight of Collingtree to move, That the bill be committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

The Lord RedesdaleTo call attention to the policy implications of the decision to upgrade the United States Missile Defence Programme at Fylingdales; and to move for papers.

THURSDAY 13TH MARCH

*The Lord Lamont of LerwickTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the cost to date of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry.

*The Lord JuddTo ask Her Majestys Government what discussions they have had with the Russian Government on the implications for the global alliance against terrorism of the referendum planned for 23rd March in the Chechen Republic on a new constitution.

*The Lord Smith of CliftonTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the original intention in producing the Governments Annual Reports; why these ceased after three years; and whether there is any likelihood of them being resumed.

FRIDAY 14TH MARCH

[At eleven oclock]

The Lord Wade of ChorltonTo move, That this House takes note of the Report of the Science and Technology Committee on Chips for Everything: Britains opportunities in a key global market (2nd Report, HL Paper 13).

The Earl of SelborneTo move, That this House takes note of the Report of the European Union Committee on Environmental Regulation and Agriculture (36th Report, HL Paper 186, Session 2001-02).

MONDAY 17TH MARCH

*The Baroness BarkerTo ask Her Majestys Government what is their response to the Ombudsmans Report on continuing National Health Service care.

Health (Wales) BillReport [The Lord Evans of Temple Guiting]

TUESDAY 18TH MARCH

*The Lord GeraintTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the estimated tonnage of illegal meat imported into this country last year and what was the corresponding figure for 1992.

*The Lord Faulkner of WorcesterTo ask Her Majestys Government what future they envisage for the Post Office underground railway in London.

*The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government what future they plan for the health visitors profession.

The Lord Bishop of WinchesterTo ask Her Majestys Government what is their response both to the Final report of the United Nations Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo and to recent events there.

[It is expected that the Committee stage of the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill will continue]

WEDNESDAY 19TH MARCH

*The Lord Roberts of ConwyTo ask Her Majestys Government what steps they are taking to raise corporate investment from last years record low point.

The Baroness Rendell of BaberghTo call attention to racism in the performing arts in the United Kingdom; and to move for papers. [Balloted Debate]

The Baroness Howe of IdlicoteTo call attention to the relationship between arrangements for the funding of students and student choice in British universities; and to move for papers. [Balloted Debate]

The Lord Rodgers of Quarry BankTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they are satisfied with the performance of the Civil Aviation Authority in regulating low-cost airlines.

THURSDAY 20TH MARCH

[At eleven oclock]

[It is expected that the Committee stage of the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill will continue]

[At three oclock]

[It is expected that the Committee stage of the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill will continue]

Asylum (Designated States) Order 2003The Lord Filkin to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 11th February be approved. [11th Report from the Joint Committee]

Code of Guidance on Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Encouraging positive partnershipsThe Lord Whitty to move, That the draft Code of Guidance laid before the House on 5th February be approved.

TUESDAY 25TH MARCH

WEDNESDAY 26TH MARCH

The Lord ChalfontTo call attention to the balance between national security and individual liberty in a democratic society; and to move for papers.

The Lord NorthbourneTo call attention to the role of parents in providing for the needs of the nations children in the 21st century and to the case for making available more encouragement and support for parents; and to move for papers.

NO DAY NAMED

PART I

The Lord BlakerTo ask Her Majestys Government what proposals they have for the future ownership and control of postal addressing.

The Lord BlakerTo ask Her Majestys Government what are their policies when faced with overwhelming humanitarian crises and massive violations of human rights in other countries.

The Lord MoynihanTo call attention to the state of the United Kingdoms relations with Cuba; and to move for papers.

The Lord PalmerTo call attention to the situation in the British countryside; and to move for papers.

The Lord BradshawTo call attention to the trends in the number of road deaths and casualties; and to move for papers.

The Lord BerkeleyTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the quality and effectiveness of the United Kingdoms railways are satisfactory.

The Baroness Scott of Needham MarketTo call attention to the state of the bus industry; and to move for papers.

The Baroness Finlay of LlandaffTo ask Her Majestys Government what action they are taking to tackle the threat that obesity poses to the health and well-being of the nation.

The Baroness NoakesTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the services available to patients with Motor Neurone Disease are adequate.

The Lord FreemanTo ask Her Majestys Government whether progress to date with the efficient use of resources in East Africa arising from debt relief and increased direct overseas aid is satisfactory.

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo call attention to the case for the abolition of the judicial functions of the House of Lords and the creation of separate Supreme and Constitutional Courts; and to move for papers.

The Baroness HooperTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they intend to review the implications of taxation on the preservation and conservation of the cultural heritage of the United Kingdom.

The Lord Hardy of WathTo call attention to the coal industry, the development of clean coal technology and the maintenance of a mining engineering industry within the United Kingdom; and to move for papers.

The Earl of OnslowTo call attention to the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles; and to move for papers.

The Lord LipseyTo ask Her Majestys Government what plans they have to fulfil their manifesto commitment to review the experience of new electoral systems and the Jenkins Report, with a view to assessing whether changes might be made to the electoral system for the House of Commons.

The Baroness HooperTo call attention to recent developments in Latin America; and to move for papers.

The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government what arrangements are being put in place for commissioning of specialised health services from April 2003.

The Baroness MaddockTo call attention to the effects of poor housing on the health and well-being of the nation; and to move for papers.

The Lord Thomas of GresfordTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will review the law, practice and procedure of Public Interest Immunity in criminal cases.

The Viscount WaverleyTo call attention to the causes of terrorism; and to move for papers.

The Baroness GreengrossTo call attention to corporate social responsibility; and to move for papers.

The Baroness GreengrossTo call attention to womens health and the case for a lifecourse approach; and to move for papers.

The Lord Alton of LiverpoolTo ask Her Majestys Government what is their policy on the threat posed by North Korea to international security and to the human rights of its citizens.

The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne DomerTo ask Her Majestys Government what is their response to the Forum for the Future report Governments BusinessEnabling Corporate Sustainability.

The Lord AveburyTo call attention to homelessness and social deprivation of Gypsies and travellers; and to move for papers.

The Baroness CoxTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the staffing situation of the Defence Medical Services is satisfactory; and what is their view of the future of the Services.

The Baroness RawlingsTo ask Her Majestys Government what humanitarian assistance they have provided to people living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the last four years of civil war in that country.

The Lord Norton of LouthTo ask Her Majestys Government what steps they are taking to ensure the security of the ballot in elections held by postal voting.

The Baroness Masham of IltonTo ask Her Majestys Government what is being done to combat the spread of tuberculosis; and what facilities for treatment and after-care are available in the United Kingdom.

The Baroness WhitakerTo call attention to the developing countries in poverty which lack strong funding relationships with donor countries or international institutions; and to move for papers.

The Lord Norton of LouthTo call attention to the case for improving contact and understanding between the two Chambers of Parliament; and to move for papers.

The Lord AddingtonTo ask Her Majestys Government what measures are being taken to remove all barriers to literature for those who have difficulties accessing books in traditional print formats.

The Baroness Dean of Thornton-le-FyldeTo move, That this House takes note of the Pensions Green Paper Simplicity, Security and Choice: Working and Saving for Retirement.

The Lord Stoddart of SwindonTo ask Her Majestys Government how much money (a) they and (b) the European Union spend each year in the United Kingdom on information about the European Union, and how these sums of money are split between (i) schools, (ii) universities and other further educational establishments, and (iii) elsewhere.

The Baroness GaleTo call attention to the illicit trafficking of people; and to move for papers.

The Lord Carlile of BerriewTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the way in which the courts deal with issues surrounding children who commit criminal offences and their families is satisfactory.

The Baroness Park of MonmouthTo ask Her Majestys Government what arrangements are in place for the reception of the United Kingdom passport holders from Zimbabwe who wish to stay in this country but have to prove they qualify for habitual residence.

The Baroness Sharp of GuildfordTo call attention to student debt in the light of the proposals put forward in the White Paper The future of higher education; and to move for papers.

The Baroness WilcoxTo ask Her Majestys Government what is their response to rising levels of personal debt and its social consequences.

The Lord Ashley of StokeTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they have any new proposals for dealing with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in hospitals.

The Lord Renfrew of KaimsthornTo ask Her Majestys Government what is their response to the All-Party Parliamentary Archaeology Group report The Current State of Archaeology in the United Kingdom.

PART II

MOTIONS FOR BALLOTED DEBATE

[Ballot on 19th March for debate on 9th April]

The Lord Campbell of CroyTo call attention to the functioning and effects of the Data Protection Act 1998; and to move for papers.

The Lord Alton of LiverpoolTo call attention to Her Majestys Governments policy on the policing of illegal drugs; and to move for papers.

The Lord Bishop of OxfordTo call attention to the religious element in global terrorism and appropriate interfaith responses; and to move for papers.

The Lord DubsTo call attention to the contribution that renewable sources of energy should make to the United Kingdoms long term energy supply; and to move for papers.

The Earl of OnslowTo call attention to the method, existing since the beginning of this session of Parliament, for the replacement of hereditary peers; and to move for papers.

The Lord Forsyth of DrumleanTo call attention to the plight of Atlantic salmon; and to move for papers.

The Lord Rodgers of Quarry BankTo call attention to the relationship between Ministers and the judiciary; and to move for papers.

PART III

SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS

[The date in brackets is that on which the Report was published]

The Lord Smith of CliftonTo move, That this House takes note of the Report of the Select Committee on Animals in Scientific Procedures (HL Paper 150, Session 2001-02). [24th July 2002]

The Lord GrenfellTo move, That this House takes note of the Report of the European Union Committee on the Review of Scrutiny of European Legislation (First Report, HL Paper 15). [18th December 2002]

The Lord Scott of FoscoteTo move, That this House takes note of the Report of the European Union Committee on The Future Status of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (6th Report, HL Paper 48). [4th February]

The Baroness Harris of RichmondTo move, That this House takes note of the Report of the European Union Committee on Europols Role in Fighting Crime (5th Report, HL Paper 43). [6th February]

The Lord PestonTo move, That this House takes note of the Report of the Select Committee on Economic Affairs on Globalisation (First Report, HL Paper 5-I). [17th January]

QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

[Tabled on 26th February, or unanswered after 21 days]

[The Government department responsible for

answering each Question is shown in brackets]

22nd January

The Baroness NoakesTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 14th January (WA 42), whether they will name

(a) the two per cent of National Health Service trusts which have wards which do not meet the single sex accommodation standards;

(b) the five per cent of National Health Service trusts which do not meet the additional safety requirements for mentally ill patients; and

(c) the seven per cent of trusts which do not meet the standard for separate lavatory and washing facilities. [DoH] (HL1249)

23rd January

The Lord VivianTo ask Her Majestys Government what action has been taken and what priority has been given to upgrade medically 2,688 Royal Navy personnel, 10,602 Army personnel and 3,833 Royal Air Force personnel, who were listed as downgraded in October 2002. [MoD] (HL1270)

27th January

The Lord SwinfenTo ask Her Majestys Government whether servicemen in the Gulf and neighbouring countries, and those being sent to that region, are being offered multiple or combined inoculations; and whether the servicemen are asked to sign a disclaimer to the effect that if they suffer any illness in the future that may be attributed to such inoculations they will not claim compensation. [MoD] (HL1315)

28th January

The Lord MarlesfordTo ask Her Majestys Government what sum the Lord Chancellor intends to make available in the present financial year for legal aid for asylum cases. [LCD] (HL1356)

29th January

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 28th January (WA 141) concerning Connswater River, when the study of pollution management will be completed; and what steps they propose to take in the interim. [NIO] (HL1387)

30th January

The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government how they plan to maintain the benefits of bulk procurement in the Public Health Laboratory Service once the network of laboratories are fragmented. [DoH] (HL1424)

The Lord Campbell SavoursTo ask Her Majestys Government whether Mr Jonathon Davies, a criminal barrister and Crown Court recorder, was consulted during the course of the joint Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and H M Inspectorate of Constabulary review of rape issues. [HO] (HL1452)

4th February

The Lord ChristopherTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the process by which decisions are reached within the Crown Prosecution Service in cases of complexity or seriousness. [LSLO] (HL1483)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the block grant from them and from the government of the Republic of Ireland to the Cross Border Implementation Bodies during 2002; how much was under-spent by each Body; and to which exchequer and in what proportion the under-spend is allocated. [NIO] (HL1502)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 3rd February (WA 3) concerning valuation of property in North Down, what were the two valuations referred to in the answer; and what was the final price settled at. [NIO] (HL1503)

5th February

The Baroness GaleTo ask Her Majestys Government what action they consider appropriate to ensure protection against passive smoking in public places. [DoH] (HL1525)

The Baroness GaleTo ask Her Majestys Government what representations they have received from the tobacco industry on measures to protect non-smokers. [DoH] (HL1526)

The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government when they will decide the funding allocation for the Health Protection Agency to be set up on 1st April. [DoH] (HL1529)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 4th February (WA 79), which of the following activities they consider the Provisional IRA is still involved in: recruitment, re-arming, training, targeting and punishment beatings. [NIO] (HL1538)

The Lord Campbell-SavoursTo ask Her Majestys Government what progress has been made in developing NHS Professionals as a bank for health professionals. [DoH] (HL1541)

The Lord Campbell-SavoursTo ask Her Majestys Government whether all National Health Service trusts are working successfully with NHS Professionals. [DoH] (HL1542)

The Lord JoplingTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will study any bloodshed, boycott or blackmail in past Olympic Games in assessing the desirability of bringing the event to London. [DCMS] (HL1549)

26th February

The Lord Hughes of WoodsideTo ask Her Majestys Government what action is being taken to help secure a settlement in Cyprus. (HL1877)

The Baroness Ramsay of CartvaleTo ask Her Majestys Government when they will publish the next Report to Parliament on Hong Kong and the Sino-British Joint Declaration. (HL1878)

The Lord BurlisonTo ask Her Majestys Government when they will publish the revised airports consultation documents. (HL1879)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Ashton of Upholland on 25th February (WA 29), how many mentors under the Connexions system have been subject to completed criminal record checks. (HL1880)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the contact between a mentor under the Connexions system and a pupil can take place out of school hours. (HL1881)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Ashton of Upholland on 25th February (WA 29), which institutions provide the courses Understanding Connexions and the Diploma for Connexions Personal Advisers; and what was the length of each course in weeks. (HL1882)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government over what period in weeks is a student expected, on average, to achieve an NVQ level 4 in (a) careers, (b) youth work and (c) social work. (HL1883)

The Lord KilclooneyTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the total area of United Kingdom sovereign bases in Cyprus proposed to be transferred if there is an Agreement there; what area in each of the United Kingdom bases is involved; and what areas will be transferred to each of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot states as proposed in the United Nations Plan. (HL1884)

The Lord KilclooneyTo ask Her Majestys Government when they last had a meeting with representatives of the Council of the Turkish Cypriot Associations in the United Kingdom; and with which other Turkish Cypriot Organisations they have had meetings during 2003. (HL1885)

The Lord KilclooneyTo ask Her Majestys Government how many persons resigned from the Royal Irish Regiment (a) as Full Time Members and (b) as Part Time Members in the Home Service in Northern Ireland during the year 2002. (HL1886)

The Lord KilclooneyTo ask Her Majestys Government how many new recruits there were in 2002 to (a) the Full Time Home Service of the Royal Irish Regiment in Northern Ireland; (b) the Part Time Home Service of the Royal Irish Regiment in Northern Ireland; and (c) all other battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment. (HL1887)

The Lord KilclooneyTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the total strength of the Royal Irish Regiment; and how many servicemen come from (a) Northern Ireland; (b) Great Britain; and (c) the Republic of Ireland. (HL1888)

The Lord KilclooneyTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the total strength of the Irish Guards Regiment; and how many servicemen come from (a) Northern Ireland; (b) Great Britain; and (c) the Republic of Ireland. (HL1889)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 25th February (WA 12-13), whether the courts have recognised the legitimacy of the principles stated in the second paragraph of the answer; and, if so, whether they will identify the reported cases in respect of each principle. (HL1890)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 25th February (WA 12-13), whether the reference to human rights law includes the obligations imposed upon the United Kingdom by international treaties other than the European Convention on Human Rights, including the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the United Nations Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Labour Organisation Conventions; and, if not, why not. (HL1891)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 25th February (WA 12-13), what criteria are used, in cases not involving the need to comply with human rights law, to decide whether there is legal need for legislation to authorise an extension of Ministers powers. (HL1892)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 25th February (WA 12-13), whether they consider that the common law principles of legality and legal certainty extend beyond circumstances where proposed action might substantially interfere with human rights; and, if so, what are those circumstances. (HL1893)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 25th February (WA 12-13), what were the instances during the past five years in which they decided that legislation was undesirable to authorise an extension of Ministers powers. (HL1894)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 25th February (WA 12-13), which powers of Ministers have been extended without legislative authority during the past five years. (HL1895)

The Lord HyltonTo ask Her Majestys Government how many trafficked persons were deported to their countries of origin from the United Kingdom in each of the last three years; and whether they can state the percentage of those who are women and list the countries of origin. (HL1896)

The Lord HyltonTo ask Her Majestys Government whether any prosecutions of traffickers have been brought under sections 145 and 146 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002; and, if so, how many convictions were obtained. (HL1897)

The Baroness Anelay of St JohnsTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the prison population in the United Kingdom at 25th December 2002, 25th January 2003 and 25th February 2003; and how many of those persons were being held in police cells designated for the purpose. (HL1898)

The Baroness Anelay of St JohnsTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the total number of prison beds in the United Kingdom at 25th February; and how many of those were in police cells designated for the purpose. (HL1899)

The Baroness Anelay of St JohnsTo ask Her Majestys Government how many places were available in open prisons at 25th February; and how many prisoners were of a category judged to be suitable for placement in open prisons at that date. (HL1900)

The Baroness Anelay of St JohnsTo ask Her Majestys Government what are their contingency plans to provide places in secure accommodation for persons sentenced to a term of imprisonment when the number of places in prisons has been filled. (HL1901)

The Baroness Gould of PotternewtonTo ask Her Majestys Government what progress has been made in introducing the package of reforms designed to tighten court rules and importing some of the conclusions from the surveys of the Good Practice Guidelines produced by the Children Act sub-committee of the Lord Chancellors advisory board on family law. (HL1902)

The Baroness Gould of PotternewtonTo ask Her Majestys Government what progress has been made on the survey of court orders in 12 courts in order to consider (a) the rates of enforcement, (b) whether the courts are using options such as supervised or indirect contact of parents with children following break up of marriage as a result of domestic violence, and (c) what are the rates of domestic violence. (HL1903)

The Baroness Gould of PotternewtonTo ask Her Majestys Government what progress has been made in the specific training for all judicial officers in child care issues before they are allowed to have a family law ticket which enables them to hear such cases. (HL1904)

The Lord OuseleyTo ask Her Majestys Government what equality and diversity data are available on the make up of general practitioners, nurses and consultants in the National Health Service. (HL1905)

The Lord OuseleyTo ask Her Majestys Government what are the current estimates of the anticipated loss (due to resignations and retirements) of general practitioners and nurses over the next two years; and how many replacements will be recruited from abroad. (HL1906)

The Lord OuseleyTo ask Her Majestys Government how many minority ethnic nurses apply for jobs in the National Health Service but fail to make shortlists; and what are the reasons therefor. (HL1907)

The Lord OuseleyTo ask Her Majestys Government what benefits have arisen from the Vital Connection launched by the National Health Service in 2000; whether any of the initiatives have been monitored for effectiveness; and whether there is any intention to publish the results. (HL1908)

The Lord HoyleTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will consider supplying glucose meters on prescription. (HL1909)

The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government whether, for the benefit of Gulf War veterans and troops now deployed or deploying to the Gulf, they will publish in the Official Report the letter to be sent by the Lord Bach to the Lord Morris of Manchester about the safety of the anthrax and other vaccines administered to service personnel, in keeping with the undertaking by the Lord Bach in his Written Answer of 4th February (WA 26). (HL1910)

The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government what estimates they have made as to the number of patients with multiple sclerosis who have been treated using beta interferon as a result of the risk sharing scheme announced in February 2002. (HL1911)

The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government how many patients in England are currently on waiting lists for treatment with beta interferon for multiple sclerosis. (HL1912)

The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government how many patient care trusts have still to implement in whole or in part the risk sharing scheme for beta interferon. (HL1913)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government how many people were killed as a result of traffic accidents in Northern Ireland during the month of January in each year since 1998; and what plans they have to reduce the figure. (HL1914)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will hold a public inquiry into the planning proposal to build a power station and an open cast lignite mine near Ballymoney in North Antrim. (HL1915)

QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER AWAITING ANSWER

26th FEBRUARY 2003

[Tabled on the dates shown]

[The Government department responsible for

answering each Question is shown in brackets]

22nd January

The Baroness NoakesTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 14th January (WA 42), whether they will name

(a) the two per cent of National Health Service trusts which have wards which do not meet the single sex accommodation standards;

(b) the five per cent of National Health Service trusts which do not meet the additional safety requirements for mentally ill patients; and

(c) the seven per cent of trusts which do not meet the standard for separate lavatory and washing facilities. [DoH] (HL1249)

23rd January

The Lord VivianTo ask Her Majestys Government what action has been taken and what priority has been given to upgrade medically 2,688 Royal Navy personnel, 10,602 Army personnel and 3,833 Royal Air Force personnel, who were listed as downgraded in October 2002. [MoD] (HL1270)

27th January

The Lord SwinfenTo ask Her Majestys Government whether servicemen in the Gulf and neighbouring countries, and those being sent to that region, are being offered multiple or combined inoculations; and whether the servicemen are asked to sign a disclaimer to the effect that if they suffer any illness in the future that may be attributed to such inoculations they will not claim compensation. [MoD] (HL1315)

28th January

The Lord MarlesfordTo ask Her Majestys Government what sum the Lord Chancellor intends to make available in the present financial year for legal aid for asylum cases. [LCD] (HL1356)

29th January

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 28th January (WA 141) concerning Connswater River, when the study of pollution management will be completed; and what steps they propose to take in the interim. [NIO] (HL1387)

30th January

The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government how they plan to maintain the benefits of bulk procurement in the Public Health Laboratory Service once the network of laboratories are fragmented. [DoH] (HL1424)

The Lord Campbell SavoursTo ask Her Majestys Government whether Mr Jonathon Davies, a criminal barrister and Crown Court recorder, was consulted during the course of the joint Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and H M Inspectorate of Constabulary review of rape issues. [LSLO] (HL1452)

4th February

The Lord ChristopherTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the process by which decisions are reached within the Crown Prosecution Service in cases of complexity or seriousness. [LSLO] (HL1483)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the block grant from them and from the government of the Republic of Ireland to the Cross Border Implementation Bodies during 2002; how much was under-spent by each Body; and to which exchequer and in what proportion the under-spend is allocated. [NIO] (HL1502)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 3rd February (WA 3) concerning valuation of property in North Down, what were the two valuations referred to in the answer; and what was the final price settled at. [NIO] (HL1503)

5th February

The Baroness GaleTo ask Her Majestys Government what action they consider appropriate to ensure protection against passive smoking in public places. [DoH] (HL1525)

The Baroness GaleTo ask Her Majestys Government what representations they have received from the tobacco industry on measures to protect non-smokers. [DoH] (HL1526)

The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government when they will decide the funding allocation for the Health Protection Agency to be set up on 1st April. [DoH] (HL1529)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 4th February (WA 79), which of the following activities they consider the Provisional IRA is still involved in: recruitment, re-arming, training, targeting and punishment beatings. [NIO] (HL1538)

The Lord Campbell-SavoursTo ask Her Majestys Government what progress has been made in developing NHS Professionals as a bank for health professionals. [DoH] (HL1541)

The Lord Campbell-SavoursTo ask Her Majestys Government whether all National Health Service trusts are working successfully with NHS Professionals. [DoH] (HL1542)

The Lord JoplingTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will study any bloodshed, boycott or blackmail in past Olympic Games in assessing the desirability of bringing the event to London. [DCMS] (HL1549)

6th February

The Lord Stoddart of SwindonTo ask Her Majestys Government which provisions in any Treaty of the European Community or in directives or regulations arising therefrom which require public services provided directly by national or local government, or delivered by other bodies which are wholly owned by them, to be open to competition from private firms; and whether there are any judicial decisions enforcing, or exempting them from, any such requirement. [CO] (HL1553)

The Lord PattenTo ask Her Majestys Government, following the dropping of all charges by the Crown Prosecution Service in the case of Mr Colin Skellett, whether they will list all the background briefings that were given by the police and Crown Prosecution Service to the press at the time of Mr Skelletts arrest; and whether they will name those who authorised them. [LSLO] (HL1558)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they have any plans to seek amendments to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the European Convention on Human Rights, or the European Convention for the Elimination of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment so as to limit or abridge the prohibition against torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. [FCO] (HL1561)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they have any plans to denounce the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights or the European Convention on Human Rights or the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment. [FCO] (HL1562)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they have any plans to seek amendments to Article 3 of the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment. [FCO] (HL1563)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government whether, upon ratification on behalf of the United Kingdom on 8th December 1988 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, any reservation was made to Article 3 of the Convention. [FCO] (HL1564)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the terms of the Belfast Agreement of 1998 require that any support for the Irish language (as provided for in the Communications Bill now before Parliament) must be matched by equal support for the Ulster Scots language. [NIO] (HL1567)

The Lord RotherwickTo ask Her Majestys Government, in the light of the 600 alleged seizures of illegal meat by sniffer dogs in the last six months, how many persons have been prosecuted. [DEFRA] (HL1574)

The Lord RotherwickTo ask Her Majestys Government why there have been so few prosecutions of people caught bringing illegal meats into the United Kingdom in the last year. [DEFRA] (HL1575)

The Lord RotherwickTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they intend to prosecute people caught bringing illegal meats into the United Kingdom. [DEFRA] (HL1576)

10th February

The Earl PeelTo ask Her Majestys Government what qualifications the registrar will seek from those wishing to obtain a licence to use terriers to locate and bolt foxes and mink from underground for pest control purposes. [DEFRA] (HL1590)

The Earl PeelTo ask Her Majestys Government what can replace the use of terriers to locate and bolt foxes and mink from underground, should any person be unsuccessful in obtaining a licence from the registrar. [DEFRA] (HL1591)

The Earl PeelTo ask Her Majestys Government, if the Hunting Bill were to receive Royal Assent, what advice they would to give to gamekeepers using dogs to flush a wild mammal from cover who find themselves in a situation whereby they cannot take a safe shot to despatch the wild mammal. [DEFRA] (HL1592)

The Earl PeelTo ask Her Majestys Government why a registered gamekeeper using dogs to control mammals may expect an inspector from a prescribed animal welfare body to accompany him or her whilst carrying out these pest control measures. [DEFRA] (HL1593)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government whether their justification for the link between the Lord Chancellors salary and pension benefits and the salary and pension benefits of the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales depends upon the fact that the Lord Chancellor is the most senior judge and is entitled to sit in a judicial capacity; and, if not, what is the justification for maintaining the link in current circumstances. [CO] (HL1596)

The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove BayTo ask Her Majestys Government for how long holders of each of the following offices have to serve to receive their maximum pension entitlement

(a) Lord Chief Justice;

(b) High Court Judge;

(c) Cabinet Secretary;

(d) Speaker of the House of Commons;

(e) Prime Minister; and

(f) Chancellor of the Exchequer. [CO] (HL1601)

The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove BayTo ask Her Majestys Government which individuals whose pensions are paid from public funds become entitled to their maximum pension entitlement as soon as they are appointed. [CO] (HL1602)

The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove BayTo ask Her Majestys Government for how long Lord Chancellors have been entitled to their full pension as soon as they are appointed. [CO] (HL1603)

The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove BayTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the Senior Salaries Review Body, in conducting its review of the proposed 12.6 per cent increase in the Lord Chancellors salary, will take into account the difference between the pension entitlements of the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice and the Cabinet Secretary. [CO] (HL1604)

The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove BayTo ask Her Majestys Government why the Lord Chancellor is entitled to a full pension as soon as he is appointed, in contrast to the Lord Chief Justice and the Cabinet Secretary, to whose salaries his salary is linked. [CO] (HL1605)

The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove BayTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 28th January 2003 (WA 142), whether they will update the answer on the basis of the Lord Chancellor receiving a salary of either (a) £184,096 or (b) £202,736. [CO] (HL1606)

The Lord JordanTo ask Her Majestys Government what amounts of export credits were given to British companies trading with Burma/Myanmar during the years 1998 to 2002; and whether there is any Government policy that will restrict the granting of export credits for trade with Burma/Myanmar on the grounds of human rights in that country. [DTI] (HL1613)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the Belfast Agreement of 1998 affects all those who live in Northern Ireland and in the Irish Republic; and, in particular, whether the Unionist, Protestant, Ulster Scots and British communities in the Irish Republic are included in parity of esteem status under the Agreement. [NIO] (HL1616)

The Lord Lamont of LerwickTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answers by the Baroness Amos on 4th November 2002 (WA 75), 6th November 2002 (WA 103) and 25th November 2002 (WA 17) about human rights in Pakistan and the situation of Asif Ali Zardari, why they have not raised this case with the Parkistani Government in view of the court case registered by the Sindh High Court in early 2002 against certain police officers with respect to Mr Zardaris ill treatment. [FCO] (HL1617)

The Lord Lamont of LerwickTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answers by the Baroness Amos on 4th November 2002 (WA 75), 6th November 2002 (WA 103) and 25th November 2002 (WA 17) about human rights in Pakistan and the situation of Asif Ali Zardari, why they have not raised this case with the Parkistani Government in light of the length of the proceedings against Mr Zardari and the failure of the Pakistani authorities to comply with the Supreme Court Order for a timetable for the completion of all proceedings against Mr Zardari. [FCO] (HL1618)

11th February

The Lord AveburyTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will refer to the condition of religious freedom in Uzbekistan in their statement at the forthcoming Session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission. [FCO] (HL1622)

The Lord AveburyTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they have received any reports from the Legal Services Commission, the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors and the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner about the alleged poor quality of work done by certain firms acting for asylum-seekers; whether the procedures for weeding out incompetent and exploitative advisers are working effectively; and whether they will consult the above organisations on ways of raising standards. [LCD] (HL1624)

The Lord Carlile of BerriewTo ask Her Majestys Government what would be the cost to public funds of obtaining information concerning the number of police officers above the rank of inspector currently suspended in England and Wales; and what is the amount of salary and other emoluments being paid to them. [HO] (HL1626)

The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove BayTo ask Her Majestys Government what were the salaries of (a) the Lord Chancellor, (b) the Prime Minister and (c) the Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1990, 1980, 1970, 1960, 1950, 1925 and 1900. [CO] (HL1628)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 6th February (WA 41), whether they have a copy of the Irish government briefing paper quoted in the media. [NIO] (HL1629)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 6th February (WA 42) concerning any requirement for Republic of Ireland civil servants working in Northern Ireland to take an oath of allegiance, whether, given paragraph 9 of the Rights section of the Belfast Agreement of 1998, this is also a matter for the United Kingdom. [NIO] (HL1630)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 6th February (WA 42) concerning the site of the Battle of the Boyne, whether, given paragraph 9 of the Rights section of the Belfast Agreement of 1998, this is also a matter for the United Kingdom. [NIO] (HL1631)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 6th February (WA 42) concerning equality, what is the position as regards functions which cannot be partitioned between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. [NIO] (HL1632)

The Lord JuddTo ask Her Majestys Government what contingency plans are now being prepared in liaison with intergovernmental and non-governmental humanitarian agencies for co-ordinated humanitarian operations to feed, care for and protect the civilian population in Iraq should there be war. [DfID] (HL1633)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Chancellor on 10th February (WA 76), whether there is any other profession whose members are appointed to senior positions in their profession on the recommendation of a Minister of the Crown because it helps consumers by providing a quality mark. [LCD] (HL1634)

The Baroness ByfordTo ask Her Majestys Government which division of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has taken over responsibility from the former Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Arable Crops Division for issuing export certificates for animal health products; whether the target turnaround period is still five working days from receipt of the application to issue of the certificate; and what proportion of certificates are issued within this period. [DEFRA] (HL1636)

The Baroness ByfordTo ask Her Majestys Government how many sheep have been genotyped since the launch in July 2001 of the National Scrapie Plan; and how many, by breed, have so far been culled as a result. [DEFRA] (HL1637)

The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne DomerTo ask Her Majestys Government how they measure the effectiveness of the Green Claims Code they introduced in 1998; in what ways they are deterring bad practice with regard to green claims; and how many times since 1998 they have done so. [DEFRA] (HL1642)

The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne DomerTo ask Her Majestys Government in what ways they support the efforts of businesses which are acting responsibly on green claims. [DEFRA] (HL1643)

The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne DomerTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the end of life directive for cars will result in increased anti-social car disposal by individuals; and what steps they are taking to avoid an increase in the number of burnt out cars being abandoned by their last owner. [DTI] (HL1645)

12th February

The Baroness SeccombeTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the source of the £95,000 paid to Sir William Stubbs following his dismissal by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills. [DfES] (HL1656)

The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne DomerTo ask Her Majestys Government what increase in the use of slug pellets they have recorded or estimated on (a) farmland, (b) gardens and (c) horticultural holdings over the last ten years; what is the decline in the song thrush population over the same period; and whether they have evidence of a correlation between the two. [DEFRA] (HL1662)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the breakdown of the £95,000 paid to Sir Williams Stubbs following his dismissal by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills. [DfES] (HL1663)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government how many asylum seekers were accommodated at the Oakington centre on each day of January. [HO] (HL1664)

The Earl RussellTo ask Her Majestys Government what has been the cost to date of litigation under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. [LSLO] (HL1669)

The Lord Mason of BarnsleyTo ask Her Majestys Government how many deep coal mines are still in production; what are their names; in which region they are; and how many people are employed underground and overall in the coal industry. [DTI] (HL1670)

The Lord RoganTo ask Her Majestys Government whether members of the armed forces currently based in the United Kingdom will be entitled to overseas allowances if and when deployed to the Gulf; and, if not, why not. [MoD] (HL1671)

The Lord RoganTo ask Her Majestys Government whether members of the armed forces currently based overseas and in receipt of overseas allowances will still benefit from these allowances if and when redeployed to the Gulf; and, if not, why not. [MoD] (HL1672)

The Lord RoganTo ask Her Majestys Government whether reserve members of the armed forces who are called up for service in the Gulf will be entitled to overseas allowances; and, if not, why not. [MoD] (HL1673)

The Lord VivianTo ask Her Majestys Government how long the remaining modifications to convert the Challenger 2 tanks for desert operations will take on arrival in the Gulf theatre. [MoD] (HL1675)

The Lord VivianTo ask Her Majestys Government whether there will be sufficient blood stocks available at field hospitals, if the United Kingdom should enter the Gulf theatre of battle. [MoD] (HL1676)

The Lord VivianTo ask Her Majestys Government what progress has been made on the Storm Shadow stand off missile programme; and whether it will be made an urgent operational requirement. [MoD] (HL1677)

The Lord VivianTo ask Her Majestys Government what arrangements are in place for nuclear, biological and chemical protection of United Kingdom base areas in the Gulf; and what theatre missile defence will be available. [MoD] (HL1678)

The Lord VivianTo ask Her Majestys Government how many e-mail terminals will each service unit in the Gulf possess for welfare e-mails; and whether there will be any security censorship of these messages. [MoD] (HL1679)

13th February

The Lord Lloyd-WebberTo ask Her Majestys Government which countries in the Middle East, other than Iraq, have weapons of mass destruction. [FCO] (HL1685)

The Lord TebbitTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 4th February (WA 19-20), whether the answer given on that date concerning the legal jurisdiction under which information held by or on behalf of the Criminal Records Bureau is held would have been completely accurate on 10th December 2002, the day on which that question was tabled. [HO] (HL1688)

The Lord TebbitTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 4th February (WA 19-20), what are the names of all companies to which work on the processing of data held by or on behalf of the Criminal Records Bureau has been contracted or sub-contracted. [HO] (HL1689)

The Lord TebbitTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 4th February (WA 19-20), why information is being processed on behalf of the Criminal Records Bureau on the Indian sub-continent. [HO] (HL1690)

The Lord TebbitTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 4th February (WA 19-20), whether the pay and conditions of work of persons on the Indian sub-continent handling information held by or on behalf of the Criminal Records Bureau are in accordance with United Kingdom and European Union legislation on minimum pay and standards on employment. [HO] (HL1691)

The Lord TebbitTo ask Her Majestys Government in what manner they ensure fair distribution of pro formas for responses to the sounding exercise on the level of interest in each region in holding a referendum about establishing an elected regional assembly. [ODPM] (HL1692)

The Earl of SandwichTo ask Her Majestys Government whether, in the event of a war in Iraq, they have calculated the cost of the damage to

(a) United Kingdom-trade and international development in the Middle East and Africa, including the loss of important contracts;

(b) aid partnerships; and

(c) diplomatic ties over the next two years. [FCO] (HL1698)

17th February

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government what is their current estimate of the public expenditure required by the United Kingdom by way of contribution to the costs of the removal by armed intervention of the present regime in Iraq. [HMT] (HL1703)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government what is their current estimate of the public expenditure required by the United Kingdom by way of contribution to the costs of securing, policing and stabilising a new government in Iraq during each of the first three years after any removal of the current regime. [HMT] (HL1704)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government whether it is a condition of their support for the removal by armed intervention of the present regime in Iraq that, after any regime change, the occupying powers would seek to ensure that the new government is democratically elected and that government is conducted under the rule of law. [FCO] (HL1705)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government whether it is a condition of their support for the removal by armed intervention of the present regime in Iraq that, after any regime change, the occupying forces would seek to ensure that the new government respects the human rights of the inhabitants of Iraq. [FCO] (HL1706)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will give effect in the United Kingdom to the guidance on judicial appointments contained in Recommendation No R(94)12, adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 11th October 1994, namely that (i) the authority taking the decision on the selection and career of judges should be independent of the government and the administration; (ii) where constitutional or legal provisions or tradition allow judges to be appointed by the government, there should be guarantees to ensure that the procedures to appoint judges are transparent and independent in practice; and (iii) there should be a special independent and competent body to give the government advice which it follows in practice. [LCD] (HL1708)

The Lord AveburyTo ask Her Majestys Government whether, following the mission by the United Nations Human Rights Commission to Côte dIvoire at the end of December 2002, and recent reports by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees of large numbers of internally displaced people fleeing the conflicts in both Côte dIvoire and Liberia, they consider that the situation in the region amounts to an overwhelming humanitarian crisis. [FCO] (HL1709)

The Lord AveburyTo ask Her Majestys Government what progress has been made with the Publish What You Pay Initiative in Angola; and whether they will propose to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development that a web page be established where members of the public in Angola and other countries would be able to see which multinational companies were complying with the Initiative, and how much they had paid to the host governments. [DfID] (HL1710)

The Viscount GoschenTo ask Her Majestys Government by what mechanism they keep track of targets and pledges made by Government departments; and how they monitor progress towards the attainment of these specific goals. [CO] (HL1711)

The Viscount GoschenTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will list, by Government department, (a) the number of targets which they have set themselves; and (b) what each departments average success rate is in achieving those targets within the allotted time. [CO] (HL1712)

The Lord NorthbourneTo ask Her Majestys Government how many accusations of sexual abuse were made against teachers by pupils and by parents respectively in England and Wales for the last year for which figures are available; and what proportion of each category is expected to lead to a prosecution. [HO] (HL1714)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 10th February (WA 96) concerning the press release of 3rd July 2002 on the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, how much was at that time intended to be spent on the Service in 2003-04 and 2004-05; and how these figures have since changed. [NIO] (HL1715)

The Lord Lamont of LerwickTo ask Her Majestys Government why Aisha Megrahi has been refused permission to stay in Britain even though her husband is serving a life sentence in Barlinnie gaol; whether it is normal policy to refuse wives permission to stay in this country when their husbands are imprisoned here; and, if so, whether this is consistent with the European Convention on Human Rights. [HO] (HL1717)

The Baroness CoxTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they regard a couple with three or more children as a large family; and whether the United Kingdom has an unofficial two-child policy. [DoH] (HL1718)

The Baroness CoxTo ask Her Majestys Government what measures they will take in response to the EuroNational audit of antenatal care reported in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology which places England at the bottom of a list of ten European countries. [DoH] (HL1719)

The Baroness CoxTo ask Her Majestys Government what measures they are taking to ensure that all cases of foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) are diagnosed properly. [DoH] (HL1720)

The Baroness CoxTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will make representations to the government of Cuba regarding Dr Oscar Elias Biscet, who was imprisoned by the Cuban authorities for three years following his condemnation of Cubas high abortion rate. [FCO] (HL1721)

The Earl of CaithnessTo ask Her Majestys Government what percentage of claims for the Beef Special Premium Scheme were queried by producers in 2002 because the British Cattle Movement Service records differed from those held by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. [DEFRA] (HL1723)

The Earl of CaithnessTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they have any record of how many cattle movement cards were lost in 2002 by either the Post Office or the British Cattle Movement Service. [DEFRA] (HL1724)

The Earl of CaithnessTo ask Her Majestys Government why the British Cattle Movement Service will not issue receipts for cattle movement orders. [DEFRA] (HL1726)

The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove BayTo ask Her Majestys Government what is their current definition of weapons of mass destruction. [MoD] (HL1728)

The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove BayTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they believe that Egypt possesses weapons of mass destruction. [FCO] (HL1729)

The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove BayTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they believe that Iran possesses weapons of mass destruction. [FCO] (HL1730)

The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove BayTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they believe that Israel possesses weapons of mass destruction. [FCO] (HL1731)

The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove BayTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they believe that Saudi Arabia possesses weapons of mass destruction. [FCO] (HL1732)

The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove BayTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they believe that Syria possesses weapons of mass destruction. [FCO] (HL1733)

18th February

The Baroness WhitakerTo ask Her Majestys Government how they satisfy themselves that United Nations personnel on peacekeeping operations are fully accountable for their actions; and whether any alleged breaches by such personnel are dealt with in accordance with the rule of law. [FCO] (HL1735)

[As amended on 20th February]

The Lord AveburyTo ask Her Majestys Government whether, following the reopening of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office in Belarus, and the announcement by the new OSCE Ambassador Eberhard Heyken that he would monitor and report on institution-building, they will propose that the OSCE should offer assistance to non-governmental institutions concerned with free and fair elections, in advance of the forthcoming local elections. [FCO] (HL1736)

The Lord AveburyTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will list the submissions made to the United Kingdom National Contact Point for complaints against breaches of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, giving in each case the date of the original submission, the name of the company or companies involved, the country in which the breach is alleged to have occurred, the action taken, and the date of the reply by the National Contact Point. [DTI] (HL1737)

The Lord AveburyTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the answer by the Lord Bassam of Brighton on 18th February (HL Deb, cols. 1021-24), whether they can estimate the proportion of asylum seekers whose applications are susceptible to influence by Government policy. [HO] (HL1738)

The Viscount SimonTo ask Her Majestys Government what investigations they have conducted to ensure United Kingdom motorists receive access to justice in foreign courts. [HO] (HL1739)

The Viscount SimonTo ask Her Majestys Government in what circumstances a United Kingdom citizen, disqualified from driving by a foreign court, would be able to appeal to a United Kingdom court against the disqualification. [HO] (HL1740)

The Viscount SimonTo ask Her Majestys Government whether translation facilities are available to United Kingdom citizens charged with motoring offences in other European Union member states. [HO] (HL1741)

The Baroness Williams of CrosbyTo ask Her Majestys Government whether, in the light of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1457, they are now investigating those United Kingdom companies and individuals listed in Annex III of the report of the Panel of Experts on Congo, and reminding them of their obligations under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. [FCO] (HL1742)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government what arrangements they have made with the media, and in particular the BBC, for the public to receive information in the case of emergency situations. [CO] (HL1743)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government what progress has been made to bring the National Attack Warning System (NAWS) into operation. [CO] (HL1744)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government when they plan to produce a draft of Emergency Planning Civil Contingencies legislation. [CO] (HL1745)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will supply a breakdown of the budget for Learn Direct to include annual and total amounts since its inception and a forecast for the next three years. [DfES] (HL1746)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government what has been the expenditure of Learn Direct to date, including the costs of setting-up the organisation, the annual running costs, and the marketing and public relations costs. [DfES] (HL1747)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government how many course enquiries have been received by Learn Direct (a) via the telephone and (b) via the website; how many course bookings have been made; and how many applicants have completed courses. [DfES] (HL1748)

The Lord HyltonTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will reconsider the decision of June 2002 to reverse the ban on antibiotic growth promoters under the assured chicken production scheme. [DEFRA] (HL1749)

The Lord HyltonTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they have consulted the Veterinary Residues Committee and the Food Standards Agency about the use of ionophores, including Nicarbazin, Dimetridazole, Narasin and Lasalocid, in poultry and game food; and, if so, with what result. [DEFRA] (HL1750)

The Lord HyltonTo ask Her Majestys Government what independent advice they have received on the effects of ionophores in animal food on (a) resistance to antibiotics in humans and (b) the risks of young children exceeding acceptable daily intakes of such substances. [DEFRA] (HL1751)

The Lord HyltonTo ask Her Majestys Government what they consider to be the influence and effect of Wahhabi teaching in Islamic educational establishments in the United Kingdom, especially those funded by official or charitable Saudi Arabian sources; whether they have evidence that disrespect or hatred of others may have been inculcated; and, if so, what remedies they deem appropriate. [DfES] (HL1752)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government on how many days in 2002 each Lord of Appeal in Ordinary sat for the purpose of judicial business in (a) the House of Lords and (b) the Privy Council. [LCD] (HL1754)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 13th February (WA 144), whether they (a) have not consulted and (b) will not consult any legal opinions obtained during the time of the devolved Northern Ireland Executive. [NIO] (HL1755)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government how many members of the Northern Ireland civil service are qualified to supply legal opinions; and in which departments they are located. [NIO] (HL1756)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the underspend in the Northern Ireland block grant in the years 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02; and which departments were responsible for what percentage of the underspend. [NIO] (HL1757)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government when the current business plans for all the North South Implementation Bodies will be passed by the North South Ministerial Council; and whether all the business plans and all decisions relating to Implementation Bodies will be placed in the Library of the House. [NIO] (HL1758)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the budget each year for the North South Ministerial Council Secretariat since its formation; and what is the projected budget for this year. [NIO] (HL1759)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government what are the projected budgets of the Implementation Bodies for the year 2003; and what percentage increase or decrease these represent over 2002. [NIO] (HL1760)

The Baroness NoakesTo ask Her Majestys Government what effect the Sexual Offences Bill will have on Northern Ireland. [HO] (HL1761)

The Baroness NoakesTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the Sexual Offences Bill will achieve gender neutrality for Northern Ireland in the same way as for England and Wales; and, if not, what are their reasons for treating Northern Ireland differently. [HO] (HL1762)

The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne DomerTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the Rural Affairs Forum and their Rural Advocate have given them any advice with regard to BTs decision to remove telephone boxes from rural areas; and, if so, how many telephone boxes are scheduled for removal in the next two years. [DTI] (HL1763)

The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne DomerTo ask Her Majestys Government what representations they have received about the removal of telephone boxes from rural areas by BT in the last twelve months; from whom; and what action they have taken as a result. [DTI] (HL1764)

The Viscount GoschenTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the total cost to the taxpayer, including legal costs, of the dispute between the Government and the Mayor of London in connection with the London Underground Public Private Partnership. [DfT] (HL1770)

The Earl of Mar and KellieTo ask Her Majestys Government whether there is a future for the Lisburn-Antrim railway line, after the current funding runs out in March 2003. [NIO] (HL1775)

19th February

The Lord AveburyTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they have made any estimate of the number of asylum seekers from Iraq who may arrive in the United Kingdom per month following any military operations against Saddam Hussein. [HO] (HL1777)

The Baroness Williams of CrosbyTo ask Her Majestys Government what stage has been reached in the investigations of mass graves at Dasht-e-Leili in Afghanistan; whether they are co-operating with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the Afghan Human Rights Commission for this purpose; and what precautions are being taken to protect the evidence at Dasht-e-Leili. [FCO] (HL1779)

The Baroness Williams of CrosbyTo ask Her Majestys Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about the wall now being built in the West Bank inside the 1967 Armistice line; and what status they expect the wall to be accorded in the road map for peace. [FCO] (HL1780)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, with the suspension of the devolved administration in Northern Ireland, what detailed arrangements have been put in place to replace the North South Ministerial Council decision-making process; and whether this is an interim measure which can have no impact on long term policy or new areas of activity. [NIO] (HL1781)

The Lord Morris of ManchesterTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they consider that referring members of the public to websites for advice, for instance on travel to unstable countries or on types of hospital infection, is sufficient when many people do not have access to personal computers. [CO] (HL1782)

The Lord Lofthouse of PontefractTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the total amount of coal burnt at coal fired generation plants with flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment in each year between 1997 and 2002 compared with the amount burnt at plants without FGD. [DEFRA] (HL1783)

The Lord Lofthouse of PontefractTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the total amount of sulphur dioxide emissions from coal fired generation plans with flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment in each year between 1997 and 2002 compared with the amount emitted from plants without FGD. [DEFRA] (HL1784)

The Lord Lofthouse of PontefractTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the average amount of sulphur dioxide emissions per gigawatt generated from coal fired plants with flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment in 2002 or the latest twelve-month period available, compared with the equivalent figure from plants without FGD. [DEFRA] (HL1785)

The Lord Lofthouse of PontefractTo ask Her Majestys Government what action they intend to take to encourage a reversal of the decline in load factors at coal fired generation plant fitted with flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment and the increase in coal burnt at plant without FGD. [DEFRA] (HL1786)

The Lord Lofthouse of PontefractTo ask Her Majestys Government how much coal fired generation capacity they expect to be taken out of the market as a result of the implementation of the Large Combustion Plant Directive. [DEFRA] (HL1787)

The Lord Lofthouse of PontefractTo ask Her Majestys Government what plans they have to impose stricter sulphur dioxide emission limits on coal fired generators that do not have abatement plant fitted. [DEFRA] (HL1788)

The Earl of CaithnessTo ask Her Majestys Government, in the light of satellite communications and global positioning systems, how long they expect light dues to continue. [DfT] (HL1789)

The Earl of CaithnessTo ask Her Majestys Government, given their agreement of the user pays principle with regard to light dues, how they propose to charge dues on (a) vessels using lighthouse services but not calling at United Kingdom ports, and (b) smaller fishing and pleasure vessels. [DfT] (HL1790)

The Earl of CaithnessTo ask Her Majestys Government when they propose to publish their responses to the consultation document Light Dues Review published in May 2002. [DfT] (HL1791)

The Lord Mason of BarnsleyTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the up-to-date position on the question of ending the North Sea drift net fishery. [DEFRA] (HL1793)

The Lord Mason of BarnsleyTo ask Her Majestys Government what recent discussions they have had with the Irish Republic with a view to ending drift net fishing in Irish waters to release salmon into Welsh and western English rivers. [DEFRA] (HL1794)

The Lord Campbell of CroyTo ask Her Majestys Government what action is being taken to reduce the amount of sulphur dioxide and other polluting substances being released into the atmosphere from the generation of electricity in coal fired power stations. [DEFRA] (HL1795)

20th February

The Lord Hardy of WathTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they propose to set up a national academy of teachers of mathematics as proposed by the Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education. [DfES] (HL1800)

The Lord InglewoodTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they accept the Work Foundations findings (on 27th January 2003) that overall absence rates in 2002 were 1.5 per cent in the information technology sector; 1.54 per cent in the utilities sector; 2.23 per cent in the manufacturing sector and 7.86 per cent in the public/voluntary sector; and if so, whether they plan any action as a result. [DTI] (HL1801)

The Lord Lofthouse of PontefractTo ask Her Majestys Government what account is taken of the running costs of flue gas desulphurisation plants in the market for electricity generation to ensure that these plants are not at a commercial disadvantage to plants without abatement equipment. [DTI] (HL1802)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government under what circumstances they consider it constitutionally appropriate for Ministers to criticise publicly the decisions of the judiciary. [LCD] (HL1803)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government what action they will take to address the concern expressed by the Civil Justice Council in their report on Full Costs Recovery that the present level of fees discourages access to the courts, particularly on the part of low-wage employees and small business proprietors not eligible for legal aid. [LCD] (HL1804)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, in the light of the view expressed in The Times on 20th February by the Master of the Rolls, Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, that the courts system may seize up because of a funding shortfall, whether they will increase public expenditure on the courts. [LCD] (HL1805)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the cost per head of providing courses arranged through Learn Direct. [DfES] (HL1806)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government what contracts have been awarded to the Capita Group by the Department for Education and Skills. [DfES] (HL1807)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government what contracts have been awarded to the Capita Group by the Department for Transport. [DfT] (HL1808)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government what contracts have been awarded to the Capita Group by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. [DEFRA] (HL1809)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government what contracts have been awarded to the Capita Group by the Cabinet Office. [CO] (HL1810)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government what contracts have been awarded to the Capita Group by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. [FCO] (HL1811)

The Baroness Harris of RichmondTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the average waiting time for the analysis of suspicious substances in each police forensic laboratory in England and Wales. [HO] (HL1812)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, in the year ending 30th April 2002, what percentage of crimes notified to the Police Service of Northern Ireland resulted in either a caution or a conviction; and how that compares to the average percentage for the rest of the United Kingdom. [NIO] (HL1813)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government, in the year ending 30th April 2002, how many incidents of burglary were notified to the Police Service of Northern Ireland; and how this figure compares to the number of notified instances of burglary in the previous two years. [NIO] (HL1814)

24th February

The Lord TebbitTo ask Her Majestys Government why it took them eight weeks to give their answer on 4th February (WA 19) to the Lord Tebbits question of 10th December 2002 (HL584) concerning the Criminal Records Bureau. [HO] (HL1820)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the legislation governing data protection principles applies to prevent the disclosure of personal data gathered by Transport for London for the purposes of the congestion charge to other public authorities for purposes unrelated to the congestion charge. [LCD] (HL1821)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government whether, as reported in the Guardian newspaper on 20th February, the European Commission has made an agreement with the United States government, binding on all British airlines with effect from 5th March, whereby personal information about all passengers flying to the United States will be disclosed to the United States customs, immigration and other agencies; if so, whether (a) the terms of the agreement contain safeguards matching European data protection laws; and (b) the agreement has been approved by Her Majestys Government or by the Council of Ministers. [LCD] (HL1822)

The Lord Lamont of LerwickTo ask Her Majestys Government in how many cases in the last five years of people who have been wrongly imprisoned and released from prison there are payments of compensation due which have not yet been paid; what the sums of money claimed or agreed are; and for how long the payment has been outstanding in each case. [HO] (HL1823)

The Lord Lamont of LerwickTo ask Her Majestys Government on how many occasions in the last five years compensation has been paid to people who have been wrongfully imprisoned; and what is the total value of the compensation that has been paid. [HO] (HL1824)

The Lord Lamont of LerwickTo ask Her Majestys Government on how many occasions in the last five years people have been released from prison, after serving more than five years, on the grounds that there was a miscarriage of justice. [HO] (HL1825)

The Lord Renfrew of KaimsthornTo ask Her Majestys Government what measures they plan to implement, in the event of military intervention in Iraq, to prevent the looting of archaeological sites and museums and to safeguard the rich historic, archaeological and cultural heritage of Iraq. [FCO] (HL1826)

The Lord Renfrew of KaimsthornTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will now ratify the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, with the First and Second Protocols to the Convention; and, if not, what are their reasons for delay. [FCO] (HL1827)

The Lord Stoddart of SwindonTo ask Her Majestys Government how many of the 447,600 non-industrial civil servants employed on 1st April 2002 were men and how many were women. [CO] (HL1828)

The Lord Stoddart of SwindonTo ask Her Majestys Government how many industrial civil servants were employed on 1st April 2002; how many were men; and how many were women. [CO] (HL1829)

The Earl HoweTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the commencement date for the risk sharing scheme announced in February 2002 in respect of beta interferon and multiple sclerosis. [DoH] (HL1830)

The Earl HoweTo ask Her Majestys Government how many patients in England were on waiting lists for treatment with beta interferon for multiple sclerosis when the 2002 risk sharing scheme began. [DoH] (HL1831)

The Earl HoweTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will publish a progress report on the implementation of the risk sharing scheme for beta interferon. [DoH] (HL1832)

The Earl HoweTo ask Her Majestys Government what guidance they have given to Patient Care Trusts to encourage them to implement the risk sharing scheme for beta interferon. [DoH] (HL1833)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government what plans Northern Ireland Railways have for freight traffic over the next two years. [NIO] (HL1834)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government what plans they have to reduce (a) smoking in public places in Northern Ireland; (b) the number of pregnant women smoking; and (c) passive smoking involving young children. [NIO] (HL1835)

The Earl of NortheskTo ask Her Majestys Government when it is anticipated that the HAZMOD data network to co-ordinate emergency services responses in the event of a large-scale terrorist attack will be launched. [CO] (HL1836)

The Earl of NortheskTo ask Her Majestys Government to what extent the failure to launch the HAZMOD data network by the originally scheduled date of October 2002 is attributable to lack of funding or technical difficulties. [CO] (HL1837)

The Earl of NortheskTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they concur with the view expressed by David Edmonds, director general of OFTEL, that the United Kingdom has the most competitive broadband market in the world (Trade & Industry Select Committee, 4th February 2003); and, if so, on what criteria their assessment is based. [DTI] (HL1838)

The Baroness Masham of IltonTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Amos on 13th February (WA 132), whether their statement that they do not provide assistance to stabilise population growth is consistent with their funding by unrestricted grants of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), whose September 2000 audit report states that 72 per cent of its 1998-99 programme expenditure was spent on population management. [DfID] (HL1839)

The Baroness CoxTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will consider a baby bonus direct payment scheme similar to that in Australia in order to counteract Britains declining fertility rate. [DoH] (HL1840)

The Baroness CoxTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will reconsider the practice of ovarian hyper-stimulation in infertility treatment following the recent death of a 33-year old in vitro fertilisation patient in Dublin. [DoH] (HL1841)

25th February

The Lord Faulkner of WorcesterTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 16th December 2002 (WA 71), when they expect to place in the Library of the House the letter about the crash of a Wideroe Airlines aircraft on 11th March 1982 which the Lord Bach indicated in his answer would be written. [MoD] (HL1845)

The Lord OuseleyTo ask Her Majestys Government whether an equality impact assessment was carried out prior to proposals for the introduction of university fees for students; and, if so, what was the outcome. [DfES] (HL1846)

The Lord OuseleyTo ask Her Majestys Government when work was started by the Strategy Unit into the study on Ethnic Minorities in the labour market; whether and when they intend to publish the report thereon; and what is the cost of this project. [CO] (HL1847)

The Lord OuseleyTo ask Her Majestys Government when they intend to publish the race equality strategy which is being developed in the Home Office. [HO] (HL1848)

The Earl of NortheskTo ask Her Majestys Government, in light of recent advice from the National Infrastructure Security Co-ordination Centre (NISCC) about potential threats to key commercial information technology systems, whether appropriate steps are being taken to protect the integrity of the Governments own information technology systems. [DTI] (HL1849)

The Earl of NortheskTo ask Her Majestys Government, in light of recent advice from the National Infrastructure Security Co-ordination Centre (NISCC) about potential threats to key commercial information technology systems, what practical assistance they are offering to appropriate commercial interests to facilitate an effective response to the risk. [DTI] (HL1850)

The Earl of NortheskTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 19th November 2001 (WA 115), whether they have arrived at a conclusive definition of broadband in respect of data transfer speeds for

(a) the commercial market; and

(b) the residential market. [DTI] (HL1851)

The Earl of NortheskTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the recent announcement that the United Kingdom has in excess of a million broadband subscribers, whether the data transfer speeds of these connections are all in excess of 384kbit/second; and, if not, what is the breakdown of data transfer speeds of these connections. [DTI] (HL1852)

The Earl of NortheskTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will reach their policy objective of the United Kingdom being the best place amongst the G7 for e-business given recent reports indicating the United Kingdoms low standing on a number of criteria in the international league tables. [DTI] (HL1853)

The Earl of NortheskTo ask Her Majestys Government how they justify the case for the forthcoming auction of 15 regional licences to use the 3.4Ghz spectrum when the auction of licences for the 28Ghz spectrum has been going on since 2000; and whether the structure of the auction will hinder rather than enhance the roll-out of broadband in rural areas. [DTI] (HL1854)

The Lord Morris of ManchesterTo ask Her Majestys Government how, in the event of any decision to give effect to the Office of Fair Trading Report on the deregulation of pharmacy services, the Department of Health would be able to deliver managed health care services using pharmacy, as outlined in Pharmacy in the Future. [DoH] (HL1855)

The Lord HyltonTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they consider that a reduction in the rate of VAT charged for the repair, maintenance and improvement of buildings is likely to improve the balance between re-use of existing structures and new building; whether this will help to diminish the amount of unfit housing and generate more sustainable employment; and, in particular, whether they are studying the results of a tax reduction of this kind in France. [HMT] (HL1856)

The Earl HoweTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will review the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 in so far as they currently exempt furniture products that are registered as medical devices and which can be legally marketed in the United Kingdom for domestic use even though they do not meet the standards laid down in the Regulations. [DTI] (HL1857)

The Earl HoweTo ask Her Majestys Government whether consumer safety is adequately served when mattresses containing viscoelastic foam which has not been combustion-modified may be legally marketed, distributed and sold in the United Kingdom. [DTI] (HL1858)

The Earl HoweTo ask Her Majestys Government whether mattresses marketed for sale in the United Kingdom as medical devices which contain viscoelastic foam, which has not been combustion-modified to meet United Kingdom regulations, should be labelled accordingly. [DTI] (HL1859)

The Earl HoweTo ask Her Majestys Government whether any mattresses which do not meet the standards laid down in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 have been purchased by, and are in use in, the National Health Service. [DTI] (HL1860)

The Earl HoweTo ask Her Majestys Government what directions are to be issued to judges on the conduct of care and adoption proceedings in the light of the judgment delivered by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of P C and S v. The United Kingdom. [LCD] (HL1861)

The Earl HoweTo ask Her Majestys Government what guidance they propose to issue to social services departments of local authorities in the light of the judgment delivered by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of P C and S v. The United Kingdom. [DoH] (HL1862)

The Lord Stoddart of SwindonTo ask Her Majestys Government how many official invitations they have received since 1st January from the British Broadcasting Corporation and other national broadcasting bodies respectively for Ministers of the Crown to be interviewed on current political topics or issues for which they were responsible; how many of these invitations were declined; and on how many occasions an official spokesperson was, or was not, offered in lieu. [CO] (HL1863)

The Lord DholakiaTo ask Her Majestys Government what has been the cost of the Formal Investigation into the Prison Service by the Commission for Racial Equality; and when the report is likely to be published. [HO] (HL1864)

The Lord RixTo ask Her Majestys Government what consideration they have given to the future funding of the Tizard Centre, University of Kent. [DoH] (HL1865)

The Lord Craig of RadleyTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 19th February (WA 175-177), whether the number of Nimrod MRA4s to be procured under the new contractual arrangements reached with BAE Systems will remain at 18 as announced on 28th February 2002 (WA 252). [MoD] (HL1866)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they are considering the possibility of introducing legislation to limit the role of the judiciary in interpreting the international human rights obligations by which the United Kingdom is bound. [LCD] (HL1867)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government whether there are circumstances in which a resident of the Irish Republic could receive United Kingdom legal aid; and, if so, what they are. [LCD] (HL1869)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government whether in their recent discussions with the Irish Republics government the prospect of a war with Iraq featured; and, if so, whether they are content with the Irish response. [FCO] (HL1870)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they consider that legal advice from lawyers employed in the Northern Ireland civil service over the last two years is available to them at all times. [NIO] (HL1871)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government what percentage of Northern Ireland Arts Council funding allocations announced on 25th February went to Irish Groups and how much to Ulster Scots groups. [NIO] (HL1872)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government why in the press release from the Northern Ireland Arts Council announcing funding applications of 25th February Altnaveigh House Cultural Society is listed under Derry City; and why it is not called Londonderry City. [NIO] (HL1873)

[As amended on 26th February]

The Lord SkelmersdaleTo ask Her Majestys Government why the maximum levy on sheep and bovine animals slaughtered in (or sent out of) Northern Ireland as permitted under the Livestock Marketing Commission Act (Northern Ireland) 1967 was not increased in either the 1980s or 1990s, so resulting in the large percentage increases in the Livestock and Meat Commission (Maximum Levy) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (S.I. 2003/20). [NIO] (HL1874)

27th February

The Lord Hughes of WoodsideTo ask Her Majestys Government what action is being taken to help secure a settlement in Cyprus. (HL1877)

The Baroness Ramsay of CartvaleTo ask Her Majestys Government when they will publish the next Report to Parliament on Hong Kong and the Sino-British Joint Declaration. (HL1878)

The Lord BurlisonTo ask Her Majestys Government when they will publish the revised airports consultation documents. (HL1879)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Ashton of Upholland on 25th February (WA 29), how many mentors under the Connexions system have been subject to completed criminal record checks. (HL1880)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government whether the contact between a mentor under the Connexions system and a pupil can take place out of school hours. (HL1881)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Ashton of Upholland on 25th February (WA 29), which institutions provide the courses Understanding Connexions and the Diploma for Connexions Personal Advisers; and what was the length of each course in weeks. (HL1882)

The Baroness BlatchTo ask Her Majestys Government over what period in weeks is a student expected, on average, to achieve an NVQ level 4 in (a) careers, (b) youth work and (c) social work. (HL1883)

The Lord KilclooneyTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the total area of United Kingdom sovereign bases in Cyprus proposed to be transferred if there is an Agreement there; what area in each of the United Kingdom bases is involved; and what areas will be transferred to each of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot states as proposed in the United Nations Plan. (HL1884)

The Lord KilclooneyTo ask Her Majestys Government when they last had a meeting with representatives of the Council of the Turkish Cypriot Associations in the United Kingdom; and with which other Turkish Cypriot Organisations they have had meetings during 2003. (HL1885)

The Lord KilclooneyTo ask Her Majestys Government how many persons resigned from the Royal Irish Regiment (a) as Full Time Members and (b) as Part Time Members in the Home Service in Northern Ireland during the year 2002. (HL1886)

The Lord KilclooneyTo ask Her Majestys Government how many new recruits there were in 2002 to (a) the Full Time Home Service of the Royal Irish Regiment in Northern Ireland; (b) the Part Time Home Service of the Royal Irish Regiment in Northern Ireland; and (c) all other battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment. (HL1887)

The Lord KilclooneyTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the total strength of the Royal Irish Regiment; and how many servicemen come from (a) Northern Ireland; (b) Great Britain; and (c) the Republic of Ireland. (HL1888)

The Lord KilclooneyTo ask Her Majestys Government what is the total strength of the Irish Guards Regiment; and how many servicemen come from (a) Northern Ireland; (b) Great Britain; and (c) the Republic of Ireland. (HL1889)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 25th February (WA 12-13), whether the courts have recognised the legitimacy of the principles stated in the second paragraph of the answer; and, if so, whether they will identify the reported cases in respect of each principle. (HL1890)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 25th February (WA 12-13), whether the reference to human rights law includes the obligations imposed upon the United Kingdom by international treaties other than the European Convention on Human Rights, including the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the United Nations Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Labour Organisation Conventions; and, if not, why not. (HL1891)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 25th February (WA 12-13), what criteria are used, in cases not involving the need to comply with human rights law, to decide whether there is legal need for legislation to authorise an extension of Ministers powers. (HL1892)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 25th February (WA 12-13), whether they consider that the common law principles of legality and legal certainty extend beyond circumstances where proposed action might substantially interfere with human rights; and, if so, what are those circumstances. (HL1893)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 25th February (WA 12-13), what were the instances during the past five years in which they decided that legislation was undesirable to authorise an extension of Ministers powers. (HL1894)

The Lord Lester of Herne HillTo ask Her Majestys Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 25th February (WA 12-13), which powers of Ministers have been extended without legislative authority during the past five years. (HL1895)

The Lord HyltonTo ask Her Majestys Government how many trafficked persons were deported to their countries of origin from the United Kingdom in each of the last three years; and whether they can state the percentage of those who are women and list the countries of origin. (HL1896)

The Lord HyltonTo ask Her Majestys Government whether any prosecutions of traffickers have been brought under sections 145 and 146 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002; and, if so, how many convictions were obtained. (HL1897)

The Baroness Anelay of St JohnsTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the prison population in the United Kingdom at 25th December 2002, 25th January 2003 and 25th February 2003; and how many of those persons were being held in police cells designated for the purpose. (HL1898)

The Baroness Anelay of St JohnsTo ask Her Majestys Government what was the total number of prison beds in the United Kingdom at 25th February; and how many of those were in police cells designated for the purpose. (HL1899)

The Baroness Anelay of St JohnsTo ask Her Majestys Government how many places were available in open prisons at 25th February; and how many prisoners were of a category judged to be suitable for placement in open prisons at that date. (HL1900)

The Baroness Anelay of St JohnsTo ask Her Majestys Government what are their contingency plans to provide places in secure accommodation for persons sentenced to a term of imprisonment when the number of places in prisons has been filled. (HL1901)

The Baroness Gould of PotternewtonTo ask Her Majestys Government what progress has been made in introducing the package of reforms designed to tighten court rules and importing some of the conclusions from the surveys of the Good Practice Guidelines produced by the Children Act sub-committee of the Lord Chancellors advisory board on family law. (HL1902)

The Baroness Gould of PotternewtonTo ask Her Majestys Government what progress has been made on the survey of court orders in 12 courts in order to consider (a) the rates of enforcement, (b) whether the courts are using options such as supervised or indirect contact of parents with children following break up of marriage as a result of domestic violence, and (c) what are the rates of domestic violence. (HL1903)

The Baroness Gould of PotternewtonTo ask Her Majestys Government what progress has been made in the specific training for all judicial officers in child care issues before they are allowed to have a family law ticket which enables them to hear such cases. (HL1904)

The Lord OuseleyTo ask Her Majestys Government what equality and diversity data are available on the make up of general practitioners, nurses and consultants in the National Health Service. (HL1905)

The Lord OuseleyTo ask Her Majestys Government what are the current estimates of the anticipated loss (due to resignations and retirements) of general practitioners and nurses over the next two years; and how many replacements will be recruited from abroad. (HL1906)

The Lord OuseleyTo ask Her Majestys Government how many minority ethnic nurses apply for jobs in the National Health Service but fail to make shortlists; and what are the reasons therefor. (HL1907)

The Lord OuseleyTo ask Her Majestys Government what benefits have arisen from the Vital Connection launched by the National Health Service in 2000; whether any of the initiatives have been monitored for effectiveness; and whether there is any intention to publish the results. (HL1908)

The Lord HoyleTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will consider supplying glucose meters on prescription. (HL1909)

The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government whether, for the benefit of Gulf War veterans and troops now deployed or deploying to the Gulf, they will publish in the Official Report the letter to be sent by the Lord Bach to the Lord Morris of Manchester about the safety of the anthrax and other vaccines administered to service personnel, in keeping with the undertaking by the Lord Bach in his Written Answer of 4th February (WA 26). (HL1910)

The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government what estimates they have made as to the number of patients with multiple sclerosis who have been treated using beta interferon as a result of the risk sharing scheme announced in February 2002. (HL1911)

The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government how many patients in England are currently on waiting lists for treatment with beta interferon for multiple sclerosis. (HL1912)

The Lord Clement-JonesTo ask Her Majestys Government how many patient care trusts have still to implement in whole or in part the risk sharing scheme for beta interferon. (HL1913)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government how many people were killed as a result of traffic accidents in Northern Ireland during the month of January in each year since 1998; and what plans they have to reduce the figure. (HL1914)

The Lord LairdTo ask Her Majestys Government whether they will hold a public inquiry into the planning proposal to build a power station and an open cast lignite mine near Ballymoney in North Antrim. (HL1915)

BILLS IN PROGRESS

[The date in square brackets is the date for which the bill is set down]

Waiting for Second Reading

European Union (Implications of Withdrawal) [HL]

Patients Protection [HL] [12th March]

Wild Mammals (Protection) (Amendment) (No. 2) [HL] [7th March]

Road Traffic (Amendment) [HL] [28th February]

Greater London Authority Act 1999 (Repeal) [HL]

Equality [HL] [28th February]

Harbours [HL] [5th March]

Electricity (Miscellaneous Provisions) [3rd March]

Ministerial and other Salaries (Amendment) [HL] [7th March]

House of Lords (Amendment) [HL]

Water [HL] [6th March]

Patient (Assisted Dying) [HL]

Hereford Markets [HL]

Nottingham City Council [HL] [27th February]

Waiting for commitment

Sexual Offences [HL]

Committed to a Grand Committee

European Parliament (Representation) [13th March]

Committed to a Committee of the Whole House

Courts [HL]

Voting Age (Reduction to 16) [HL] [28th February]

Regional Assemblies (Preparations) [13th March]

Waiting for Report

High Hedges [HL] [28th February]

Licensing [HL] [27th February]

Crime (International Co-operation) [HL] [3rd March]

Public Services (Disruption) [HL]

Community Care (Delayed Discharges etc.) [10th March]

Health (Wales) [17th March]

Waiting for Third Reading

Waste and Emissions Trading [HL] [6th March]

London Local Authorities and Transport for London [HL]

London Local Authorities [HL]

Sent to the Commons

National Minimum Wage (Enforcement Notices) [HL]

Police (Northern Ireland) [HL]

Arms Control and Disarmament (Inspections) [HL]

Waiting for Royal Assent

Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions)

London Development Agency

MEASURES IN PROGRESS

Waiting for Royal Assent

Synodical Government (Amendment)

Church of England (Pensions)

AFFIRMATIVE INSTRUMENTS IN PROGRESS

Waiting for consideration by the Joint Committee

Draft Code of Practice on Time Off for Trade Union Duties and Activities